Tuesday, April 03, 2007

This simple dress came together very nicely. The bodice is shaped by tucks front and back, and the skirt is gored smoothly into the waist. My favorite detail is the neckband which is faced and then topstitched over the bodice--very tidy!

It would lend itself perfectly to some embroidery next time on a solid pale fabric, perhaps?

For this version, I trimmed the milk-chocolate-colored polka dot pique in a brown grosgrain bow.

I really love the combination of chocolate brown and the polka dots. I am wondering how long have you been sewing for? I even look at baby patterns and they sometimes leave me a little confused, but I am a beginner. How long did it take you before you were able to make things so professional looking?

My mother taught me basic sewing skills when I was about fourteen--I hated sewing then and never planned to make anything I could wear since my work was so sloppy.

I picked it up again three years ago and started with dresses for my girls. As I gained confidence and skill I began making clothes for myself. The key to making nice-looking garments is to 1. finish the seams and 2. press every seam as you go.

Does your machine do zigzag? If so, press the seams open, and zigzag each side separately. If not, you can pink the edges (IF your material doen't want to fray), turn each seam allowance under and stitch, French seam (my favorite but only on straight seams), bind the edges with binding, and there are other options. Anyone want to post a link to info on these techninques?

Anna, can you please comment on how to size these older vintage patterns? I have checked them out online, but I get confused by the sizes and the measurements. Are the sizes comparable to our modern sizes, do you go by the bust measurement, or what? I'd love to get started, but don't want to purchase the wrong size pattern. Thanks for your inspiration!Annie

Wow, that is gorgeous! You must be very proud of yourself. I especially love the bow - so cute! I hope to get back into making clothes when I finish my degree, as I did Fashion Design as one of my major subjects at school, and miss it! You've given me inspiration!

Feel free to Pin my photos, but please link back to the page you found them on.

Photography

Photography is an important part of life at my house. Photos that appear here are taken by Giles, by the Composer, and by me. Giles is a real, paid photographer, and he uses a Sony Alpha. Most of the photography prior to September 2008 is his. Since then I have done most of the shooting and I use a Konica Minolta. Additionally, the Composer offers me nice shots on occasion, often from his little Canon point and shoot. I've given up trying to note who's done what. Thanks for your interest!